10 roster battles to watch as 49ers hit crucial third preseason game

A lot can happen over the next week-plus for the 49ers during their final two preseason games while trying to piece together their 53-man roster.

Kyle Shanahan’s club hits the road again Sunday for the all-important third exhibition against the Vikings, which he’s hoping offers a better chance to evaluate his team than its five-turnover performance last week against the Broncos.

Here’s a look at 10 roster battles that are continuing to evolve and be evaluated before the final roster is assembled Sept. 2.

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SAM linebacker

(Ahmad Brooks – Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Dekoda Watson might be the player with the strongest grasp on a roster spot at this position given his work on special teams, which puts the focus on Ahmad Brooks, 33, and Eli Harold, 23, as they battle for the starting spot.

It seems unlikely Brooks would kept around as a reserve and special teams player if he doesn’t keep his starting job. His cap number is $6.1 million, while Harold is due some $823,000 on the third year of his rookie contract. Shanahan said Sunday their salaries aren’t part of the decision, but it’s likely the front office has a keen understanding of the financial implications of this battle.

The 49ers could elect to keep all three, which would make it unlikely rookie Pita Taumoepenu makes the team. The sixth-round pick had a strong week against the Broncos in practice and the preseason game, when he logged his first sack as a pro. If the team feels he won’t pass through waivers and get to the practice squad, he might be the third SAM rather than Brooks or Harold.

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